Especially in subzero applications, many users prefer non-contact sensors because, unlike electromechanical switchgear such as position switches, they do not run the danger of malfunctioning due to freezing moisture.
For this – admittedly highly specialised – application field, the steute business unit “Extreme” has now developed a new series of Ex magnetic sensors. These cylindrical sensors of M20 diameter are cold-resistant down to -60°C and are also tested and approved according to ATEX and IECEx for use in gas Ex zones 1 and 2.
This makes them suited to environments which make up an increasing number of the customer queries received by steute – for example offshore plants installed in Arctic regions, or ships travelling through such regions, like gas tankers.
In these extreme conditions, the non-contact active principle makes sealing of the housings easier and guarantees durability: the mechanical lifespan of these sensors is over one million switching cycles, while the electrical lifespan has been calculated at 106 … 109 switching cycles.
The housing material – a high-quality fibreglass-reinforced Duroplast – guarantees that the high protection class of the magnetic sensors (IP 66 to IP 69) is maintained in these subzero temperatures, even after a 7-Joule impact test.
This set of features – particularly the large temperature range – makes the new series suitable for position monitoring of flaps, valves, lids and other moving components.
